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T O P I C R E V I E W

Robert Pearlman

Prodea Systems release

New Book Will Examine Lifelong Journey of First Female Space Explorer, from Immigrant to Entrepreneur to AstronautAnousheh Ansari Teams up with Best-Selling Author Homer Hickam to Describe the Wonders of Space and Its Deep Impact on Her Life

The world's first private female space explorer, Anousheh Ansari is writing a memoir of her life experiences with the assistance of Homer Hickam, author of the No. 1 New York Times best-seller "Rocket Boys," which was made into the critically acclaimed movie "October Sky."

"Homer and I share a deep love of space, as well as a passion for educating people about the importance of space in solving problems here on Earth," said Ansari, who plans to donate her proceeds from the book to charity. "I hope my story will inspire everyone around the world to pursue their dreams, because dreams do come true. In telling my story, I want to take readers on a magic carpet ride to space. They will see Earth from above and float weightless in a place that now seems unreachable and foreign to them."

Ansari, who always dreamed of becoming an astronaut, left her home country of Iran for the United States at age 16. Her memoir will describe Ansari's early struggles as an immigrant who could not speak English, her education as a student who earned a master's degree in engineering in just a few years, and her astonishing success as a businesswoman. In addition, the book will recount Ansari's historic trip to the International Space Station, from her selection and training for the mission to takeoff, landing and everything between.

An active proponent of world-changing technologies, Ansari followed up her business success with an entrepreneurial focus on space. She rallied her family to provide the title sponsorship for the Ansari X Prize. This $10 million prize became the catalyst for a new era in private space travel. The prize was awarded to Burt Rutan in 2004 for the first non-governmental launch of a reusable manned spacecraft into space.

On Sept. 18, 2006, Ansari blasted off from Kazakhstan on board a Russian Soyuz capsule and became the first astronaut of Iranian descent, the first private female space explorer and the fourth person to buy a ticket to space from Space Adventures. After two days orbiting the Earth, Ansari and her fellow crew members docked with the International Space Station. She spent the next eight days on board as an active member of the crew.

Ansari recounted highlights of her journey to space in a blog that attracted more than 25 million readers worldwide, making it one of the most popular blogs ever written. Although they had not met at the time, Hickam read Ansari's blog and followed her journey with interest.

"I was completely blown away by what I read in her blog," Hickam said. "I used to train astronauts, and I've read most of their books, but when I read what Anousheh was writing from orbit, I realized nobody had ever captured the sounds, smells and sensations of space like she was doing. I felt privileged when she asked me to work with her on her memoir."

"This is going to be much more than just another astronaut book," Hickam added. "This is going to be the story of a fascinating woman who overcame tremendous difficulties to succeed. I also see it as a book that will help bridge the gap of understanding between the West and the people of Iran, who are far different than they are often shown in the media. This will be a journey of hope in an often hopeless world that will stir the hearts of people everywhere."

Hickam has written eight best-selling books, including fiction and non-fiction. His memoir "Rocket Boys," also titled "October Sky," was a New York Times notable book of 1998, a finalist in The National Book Critic's Circle awards, and is one of the top picks in community reads across the country. His most recent work has included the historical fiction novels "The Keeper's Son" and "The Ambassador's Son."

Ansari serves as chairman and co-founder of Prodea Systems, which will help consumers realize the full potential of their digital homes. In addition, Ansari actively pursues ways to enable social entrepreneurs to bring about radical change globally.

Ansari and Hickam are represented by book agent Frank Weimann, founder of The Literary Group International in New York City.

In her heartwarming and empowering memoir, space pioneer Anousheh Ansari tells the story of her childhood in Iran and her family's exodus to America after the Islamic Revolution. After settling down in Texas, Anousheh built a computer technology firm from the ground up, which eventually realized a net worth of $750 million and ultimately allowed her to achieve her childhood dream of spaceflight. In her groundbreaking role as the first-ever female commercial spaceflight participant, her story became politicized and fraught with the prejudices and obstacles she had to overcome as an Iranian woman, culminating in a debate over whether she would be allowed to display both the American and Iranian flags on the sleeve of her spacesuit.

After her return to Earth, Anousheh started The Ansari Foundation, a quickly growing nonprofit which supports social entrepreneurship, and is especially committed to ensuring the freedom of women around the world and supporting female entrepreneurs. Ultimately, this evocative story shows the triumph of a woman who has become a role model to people around the globe struggling to overcome economic and cultural barriers, as well as those dreamers who look upon the stars and wish to soar among them.

Hardcover: 256 pages

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (March 2, 2010)

ISBN-10: 0230619932

ISBN-13: 978-0230619937

Hart Sastrowardoyo

From her newsletter:

My Dream of Stars: From Daughter of Iran to Space Pioneer is the name of the book coming out March 2010. The book is written by Anousheh Ansari and Homer Hickam. Homer H. Hickam, Jr., author, Vietnam veteran, and a former NASA engineer is the author of a number of best-selling memoirs and novels including his autobiographical and widely-read novel Rocket Boys, later made into the movie: October Sky.

In her memoir, Anousheh recalls her long path to success and to achieving her dream. She tells the readers of the prejudices and obstacles she had to overcome as well as her determination and hope, and the love and support that made it possible. It is Anousheh's hope that her personal story would encourage and inspire people around the globe, especially the younger generation, to strive to overcome any barriers holding them back from their dreams.

My copy of her book just arrived! Barnes and Noble in Huntsville had a signing last weekend with Anousheh and Homer. I look forward to reading it this weekend! I had the opportunity last year to hear her speak in Toronto. Her life story and space experience is very interesting and should be well worth reading about!

Hart Sastrowardoyo

Had an interview with Anousheh Ansari in Philadelphia, where she's doing a presentation tonight. Have other stuff to do before can get to my notes, but here's a photo.

Hart Sastrowardoyo

A couple of tidbits:

Ansari was doing an interview with a Philadelphia radio station, so that's where I met up with her for my paper. I haven't been to Philadelphia proper in a long while, and originally intended to talk to her at the Independence Visitor Center across the street - instead we talked in the station's lobby.

Ansari's mom was with her, reading "My Dream of Stars" while Ansari did the radio interview.

She mentioned that her book tour would take her to San Francisco; after that, she wasn't sure.

Ansari designed her personal patch.

She was talking with Space Adventures to go up; had Ansari not flown in place of Dice-K, she thinks it would have been three years before she flew.

Ansari would like a second flight, although with the Shuttle retiring a Soyuz flight is unlikely. She mentioned the possibility of flying onboard a commercial spacecraft.

And with that... wait 'til the article comes out!

space4u

quote:Originally posted by BMacKinnon:My copy of her book just arrived! Barnes and Noble in Huntsville had a signing last weekend with Anousheh and Homer.

Thanks Brad -- because of your tip to me at the STS-129 crew presentation at Pro Football HOF, I just received my copy of My Dream of Stars autographed by Anousheh and Homer Hickham!It looks good so far.